Anxiety and pregnancy

I was wondering if anyone has had experience in dealing with their anxiety during their pregnancy? Last night was my first real panic attack during this. I know it stems from the fear of the unknown, I'm having twins, not knowing if these little aches and pains are normal, knowing if my babies are ok, waiting on test results.....ect. I've been managing well but then last night somehow I spiraled into a full fledge, can't breathe attack. I know this is terrible for me and the kiddos. Has anyone else had to struggle with this during their pregnancy? Please any suggestions, techniques or advice is extremely appreciated. I still have 6 more months to keep these babies safe and sound inside me. Thanks and best wishes to all!!

I was wondering if anyone has had experience in dealing with their anxiety during their pregnancy? Last night was my first real panic attack during this. I know it stems from the fear of the unknown, I'm having twins, not knowing if these little aches and pains are normal, knowing if my babies are ok, waiting on test results.....ect. I've been managing well but then last night somehow I spiraled into a full fledge, can't breathe attack. I know this is terrible for me and the kiddos. Has anyone else had to struggle with this during their pregnancy? Please any suggestions, techniques or advice is extremely appreciated. I still have 6 more months to keep these babies safe and sound inside me. Thanks and best wishes to all!!

I've dealt with it during this pregnancy as well as for many years prior. In the beginning for me it got so bad at night that I had to start taking medication again. I would have rather done without but I was a complete mess. Really the only thing that works for me is distraction. I'll put on my head phones and listen to music or go outside for fresh air. I know it's easier said then done to do just about anything. I also tried breathing deeply and thinking about how I have to stop this attack because my baby doesn't need all this stress. It's very hard to deal with and of course what works for one person may not work for another. Have u taken medication prior to getting pregnant? Just know you aren't alone and that it could be alot worse then even we have it. Where are you from ? I'm Jenn from NJ. Due in 1 week. If you would like to chat let me know. Maybe we could help each other cope better :)

I've dealt with it during this pregnancy as well as for many years prior. In the beginning for me it got so bad at night that I had to start taking medication again. I would have rather done without but I was a complete mess. Really the only thing that works for me is distraction. I'll put on my head phones and listen to music or go outside for fresh air. I know it's easier said then done to do just about anything. I also tried breathing deeply and thinking about how I have to stop this attack because my baby doesn't need all this stress. It's very hard to deal with and of course what works for one person may not work for another. Have u taken medication prior to getting pregnant? Just know you aren't alone and that it could be alot worse then even we have it. Where are you from ? I'm Jenn from NJ. Due in 1 week. If you would like to chat let me know. Maybe we could help each other cope better :)

I have suffered with anxiety for years, pregnant and not. I would like to say I can get through without medication, but unfortunately, I can't. I'm on a low dose of a med that is considered safe in pregnancy ... For me, the benefits outweigh the risks. If my anxiety goes untreated I can't manage my life, let alone my children and my pregnancy. I would talk to your doctor about various options ... Even med-free ones if you are able to do that. This seems to be a fairly common problem (there's been a lot of posts about it on the due in September 2012 board). You are not alone! Hang in there.

I have suffered with anxiety for years, pregnant and not. I would like to say I can get through without medication, but unfortunately, I can't. I'm on a low dose of a med that is considered safe in pregnancy ... For me, the benefits outweigh the risks. If my anxiety goes untreated I can't manage my life, let alone my children and my pregnancy. I would talk to your doctor about various options ... Even med-free ones if you are able to do that. This seems to be a fairly common problem (there's been a lot of posts about it on the due in September 2012 board). You are not alone! Hang in there.

You aren't alone!! Med-free options for me...I lay in a restful position and my husband rubs my arms or back and helps me concentrate on breathing normally. He speaks very soothingly and usually can help me calm. This sounds new age and kooky, I know, but it works for me. Good luck!!

You aren't alone!! Med-free options for me...I lay in a restful position and my husband rubs my arms or back and helps me concentrate on breathing normally. He speaks very soothingly and usually can help me calm. This sounds new age and kooky, I know, but it works for me. Good luck!!

Hi girls, you aren't alone. I've suffered from anxiety since my 20's. When I first got pregnant at 36 all the worries pushed me into panic attack mode. I'm a recurrent miscarrier so everything scared me to death. My doctor told me that anxiety meds can be bad for baby, and put me on alternative medicine. I went to a counselor once a week and unloaded. That really helped me focus and gain clarity. He taught me how little control I have over over people and events. I also started doing deep breathing a couple times a day because worrying makes me hold my breath (weird!). Remembering to breathe helped ward off full blown attacks. I'm now 28 weeks. I really hope you find something that works for you.

Hi girls, you aren't alone. I've suffered from anxiety since my 20's. When I first got pregnant at 36 all the worries pushed me into panic attack mode. I'm a recurrent miscarrier so everything scared me to death. My doctor told me that anxiety meds can be bad for baby, and put me on alternative medicine. I went to a counselor once a week and unloaded. That really helped me focus and gain clarity. He taught me how little control I have over over people and events. I also started doing deep breathing a couple times a day because worrying makes me hold my breath (weird!). Remembering to breathe helped ward off full blown attacks. I'm now 28 weeks. I really hope you find something that works for you.

I was having panic attacks and never had them before. Then I tested for pregnancy and suspected that was the cause, prob extra hormones, It scared the crap out of me cause I'm a pretty level headed person. Panic attacks have calmed a bit, I think in going to start prenatal yoga to help

I was having panic attacks and never had them before. Then I tested for pregnancy and suspected that was the cause, prob extra hormones, It scared the crap out of me cause I'm a pretty level headed person. Panic attacks have calmed a bit, I think in going to start prenatal yoga to help

This is very common! Years ago, I would have them during the summer on the train when I had my period. I figured that during my cycle, I would stay away from rush hour trains. They got a lot worse last summer... They were triggered by being on any kind of mass transit. I figured out: I can never get on a train/bus with an elevated heart rate; I always need to carry water and a newspaper; I never get on a crowded train. If I fly, I must take something to calm me down before getting on the plan. My ob said it was safe to do do (so far, I flown about 4 rt trip times). My advise is to figure out what triggers the attack and try to limit exposure to that trigger. Go outside for fresh air and drink water when you feel it happening.

This is very common! Years ago, I would have them during the summer on the train when I had my period. I figured that during my cycle, I would stay away from rush hour trains. They got a lot worse last summer... They were triggered by being on any kind of mass transit. I figured out: I can never get on a train/bus with an elevated heart rate; I always need to carry water and a newspaper; I never get on a crowded train. If I fly, I must take something to calm me down before getting on the plan. My ob said it was safe to do do (so far, I flown about 4 rt trip times). My advise is to figure out what triggers the attack and try to limit exposure to that trigger. Go outside for fresh air and drink water when you feel it happening.

Thanks everyone for making me feel normal! I feel like such a bad mom already when I start to have these anxiety feelings. I've made an appt with a therapist that deals with pregnant women in hopes that she can give me some tools in dealing with this all. Most of the time I'm fine. At night is the worst, so I think it's triggered by exhaustion. Once my head goes to that place though it is near impossible to get it to a happy place. I appreciate all your advice and encouragement. Please keep in touch or email me if you want to exchange info to help each other out. Tigerlilieshouston@gmail.com

Thanks everyone for making me feel normal! I feel like such a bad mom already when I start to have these anxiety feelings. I've made an appt with a therapist that deals with pregnant women in hopes that she can give me some tools in dealing with this all. Most of the time I'm fine. At night is the worst, so I think it's triggered by exhaustion. Once my head goes to that place though it is near impossible to get it to a happy place. I appreciate all your advice and encouragement. Please keep in touch or email me if you want to exchange info to help each other out. Tigerlilieshouston@gmail.com

Thanks for your response. What alternative medicine did your doc suggest? Thanks for any help. I'm scared that they will continue. It's hard to explain to anyone else. When I explain my fears that send me into attack mode my friends are confused how I can think such things. I'm a successful business owner and rational normally. My fears I know are irrational but I can't control them. It's a very unusual feeling.ugh!!!

Thanks for your response. What alternative medicine did your doc suggest? Thanks for any help. I'm scared that they will continue. It's hard to explain to anyone else. When I explain my fears that send me into attack mode my friends are confused how I can think such things. I'm a successful business owner and rational normally. My fears I know are irrational but I can't control them. It's a very unusual feeling.ugh!!!

I'm with you lady. I suffered a still birth last September and have been extremely anxious with this pregnancy. I've been having some luck with yoga. Not a tape but actually going to a studio. Good luck!

I'm with you lady. I suffered a still birth last September and have been extremely anxious with this pregnancy. I've been having some luck with yoga. Not a tape but actually going to a studio. Good luck!

I have had an anxiety disorder since childhood and finally went on meds for it in 2000. When I got pregnant with my 2nd child in 2003, I was told at that time that it was fine for me to stay on my anxiety meds, so I did. Had a lot of problems during childbirth and my 7 year-old has some growth hormone issues, which may or may not have anything to do with the anxiety meds. This time around, the rules have changed and I am told absolutely no anxiety meds during pregnancy. I went off everything right away anyway as I had been doing some reading and seeing commercials on tv about being involved in lawsuits if you took Prozac and had a child with a birth defect...so, now I am dealing with the anxiety without meds and some days are better than others. What I have found is that my nausea is increased on days when my anxiety is high. I do a lot of deep breathing with eyes closed (trying to shut out the world) and I have actually gotten really good at willing the anxiety away. My schedule gets pretty hectic and stressful with two other boys and I have to concentrate on just letting things go. I've also decided to just state my mind instead of holding things in...just some of my experience.

I have had an anxiety disorder since childhood and finally went on meds for it in 2000. When I got pregnant with my 2nd child in 2003, I was told at that time that it was fine for me to stay on my anxiety meds, so I did. Had a lot of problems during childbirth and my 7 year-old has some growth hormone issues, which may or may not have anything to do with the anxiety meds. This time around, the rules have changed and I am told absolutely no anxiety meds during pregnancy. I went off everything right away anyway as I had been doing some reading and seeing commercials on tv about being involved in lawsuits if you took Prozac and had a child with a birth defect...so, now I am dealing with the anxiety without meds and some days are better than others. What I have found is that my nausea is increased on days when my anxiety is high. I do a lot of deep breathing with eyes closed (trying to shut out the world) and I have actually gotten really good at willing the anxiety away. My schedule gets pretty hectic and stressful with two other boys and I have to concentrate on just letting things go. I've also decided to just state my mind instead of holding things in...just some of my experience.

Sizza, I strongly recommend acupuncture once per week. I know it sounds like it won't work for anxiety, but it really does! It was one alternative option my doctor recommended. Make sure you find a licensed acupuncturist. It changed my life.

Sizza, I strongly recommend acupuncture once per week. I know it sounds like it won't work for anxiety, but it really does! It was one alternative option my doctor recommended. Make sure you find a licensed acupuncturist. It changed my life.

Don't be so hard on yourself! I'm proud of you for acknowledging the problem and doing something about it. Pregnancy hormones seem to amplify your worries. You'll be a great mom, and it'll all work out after your baby is here :-) Hang in there!

Don't be so hard on yourself! I'm proud of you for acknowledging the problem and doing something about it. Pregnancy hormones seem to amplify your worries. You'll be a great mom, and it'll all work out after your baby is here :-) Hang in there!

The material on this website is provided for educational purposes only and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, or in place of therapy or medical care. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy

Advertising Notice

This Site and third parties who place advertisements on this Site may collect and use information about your visits to this Site and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like to obtain more information about these advertising practices and to make choices about online behavioral advertising, please click here